Welsh Pony
By: Lauren Johnson
Welsh Pony
A Welsh pony is about 52 inches, or 13 hands.The average size for a horse is 60 inches or 15 hands. The weight is around 625, which is 400 pounds lighter than a average horse. Some colors the horse came be is Bay, Gray, Chestnut, Black, Dun, Palomino, Grullo, and Brown.
Purpose of the Breed
The pony is used for work, like pulling carriages, They are used to help hunt, they are used for Dressage which is a horse or pony that has been trained to learn Flexibility, Obedience, and Balance. Some people use the pony for jut general riding. They also use the horse for jumping or endurance.
The Pony has a beautiful oriental-type head with a bold eye and small pointed ears. The body is compact with noted depth of girth called the "Welsh breadbasket." It has a graceful neck and deep, sloping shoulders. The legs are generally hard with small hard feet. It is known for being spirited, courageous, and intelligent.
Welsh Pony
Indigenous to the Welsh hills, The wElsh pony had, before the Romans arrived in Britain, Established themselves as fit, hardy animals resistant to disease. Julius Caesar introduced some oriental blood to the pony. In the past 3 centuries at least 2 Arabian stallions have run wild in the Welsh countryside, and have undoubtedly bred with the pony, most likely emphasizing the Oriental head the ponies developed during the Roman occupation. Dyoll Starlight born in 1894, is considered the Mountain ponies patriarch, with Tan-y-Bwlch-Berwyn, foaled in 1924, being considered the Section B foundation sire.
Welsh Pony
The Welsh Pony is hardy and disease resistant by nature. Owners must be careful not to "kill them with kindness". Welsh ponies may be prone to laminitis, so sugar and carbohydrate consumption should be monitored. Care should be taken when allowed to graze on rich grass or hay. The Cob varieties may also develop scratches beneath their feathered fetlocks, so good grooming is essential.
Unbroken Welsh Ponies can be found for less than $5,000. However, professionally trained ponies are recommended for children and beginners. These range in price from $5,000 to $50,000 and up, depending on their training and show experience. The Welsh ponies are generally hardy and do extremely well in a pasture situation. If kept indoors in a box stall or barn, daily turnout is very important. Grass hay or alfalfa is sufficient, with additional vitamin and mineral supplements added if the horse is in regular work or training.The Cob types require regular grooming to prevent scratches from developing on their fetlocks.